How Faddish are You? Do You Use Antibacterial Soap?

People are faddish. People are fickle. No matter how good a product may be, if it isn't new and amusing, people will toss it aside for something new, no matter how untried and possibly non-functional. Or worse. Possibly damaging.

Now we live in an age where some are crying out for hygiene. Nothing wrong with wanting to be clean, or smell attractive. But even a good thing can be taken too far. Is the widespread use of antibacterial soap one of those things?

In fact, it just may be. You see, one of the most widely used antibacterial soap ingredients is the compound triclosan . I have chosen its chemical structure, as drawn by chemists, because it reveals what the name means.

Comments

No, I started using antibacterial soap when it first came out but quickly stopped. We need germs to keep our immune systems healthy, without challenges, they get "lazy" and don't protect us when they need to. (OK, that was a joke). But children living in houses that are "too clean" do not develop healthy immune systems and can be more prone to asthma and allergies, apparently.

Even our grandparents would have said as much. They would see to it that if one child was infected with something contagious, they'd all get it so all of 'em could get it over in one fell swoop! And, as you say, a healthy immune system requires exercise. At least that sounds reasonable.

I totally agree with Meg and your response to her comment. As an ex-registered nurse, I know that bacteria and germs are definitely no good but we still need them to give a push to our immune system. I remember that my upstairs neighbour was a neatness "freak". Well, because of her obsession she was always sick as she did not have any resistance to whatever "bug" came along. Great article....that can make people think...